Pac Brake ECM Bypass Switch ,is this something I would want to get for a Pac Brake on an 06 auto or not? Can someone give me a description of operation with and without it?I have a rough idea but,may not of thought of some issues.I guess it gives you two modes of operation,but do I want/need two?Also they apparently have a on/off columb shift switch for autos,anyone have that?I live near Pac Brake so I am going to go take a look at the switch.Thx.

 

I have a PRXB on my or 6 spd with the ECM bypass. The ECM bypass eliminates the roughly 2 second delay between flipping the switch and brake engagement. The downside for some is that there is no longer any ECM control - for instance cold weather warm operation of the brake will not happen without you manually engaging the brake. You can also set up the bypass circuit itself to be engaged manually too. In other words, you can select between ECM controlled and full manual control if you so choose - you have to modify the Pacbrake harness but it is not difficult. For the my own needs, the delay from the ECM engagement was unbearable when down shifting through the gears - I want instantaneous engagement. But this has a lot to do with driving a manual and would be a lot less of an issue with an auto for sure. I could care less about automated cold weather operation as I have absolutely no issue with engaging the brake myself for faster warm ups. I have not seen the column shift Pac switch but I do have the 6 spd Pac switch on the shifter and love it. I'm not sure it would matter so much on the auto to have the switch shifter mounted since you would hardly ever have your hand on it while driving. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure how well the bypass would actually work on an auto. For automatics, the PCM controlling tranny shifts and converter lock up must be used in order to have effective braking without hurting the tranny....how closely tied to the ECM function that is, I do not know. I'm thinking you may not be able to bypass an 06 auto. Pacbrake will no for sure and steer you straight, though.

 

With the 06 auto, if you bypass the ECm you will not have T/C lock=up your best to stay with the ECM wire imputs as you will not have to install a lock-up kit thus saving your money.

 

OK thanks Harold,is there any benifit to the auto columb shifter switch ,other than I dont have to driil any holes in my dash ?

 

I have a PRXB PAC Brake on my 06 auto. The brake engagement is instantaneous when flipping the switch until the truck reaches optimal operating temperature at which time it will turn itself off. When moving the brake will not engage unless the TC is in lock up, and your foot is not on the accelerator. When releasing the pedal the PAC brake comes on instantly providing the TC is locked, which is nearly full time when keeping the trans in tow/haul mode. There is about a 2 second delay down shifting (40-45mph) from 4th to 3rd waiting for the TC to again lock up.

FWIW, since installing the PAC Brake I can honestly say that when towing/hauling it is awesome not having to stand on the brake pedal to slow things down. It is definitely money well spent and will go a long way toward saving the service brakes. Hope this info helps.

 

Pacbrake just told me they also hook to the ecm to make sure the brake doesn't close til there is no fueling. He wasn't sure why that's necessary - he thought maybe setting codes or it could mess up something. Craig

 

Yes, that is mandatory. Fueling with the brake engaged could cause egt and exhaust back pressure to skyrocket. Even without ECM control, the bypass kit still requires the use of throttle switch which only allows brake engagement if the throttle is not depressed.

 

OK thanks for your input guys .I am going to go to Pac Brake next week and take a look at the auto columb shift switch,I know it has the same function as the one that comes with the brake ,but I may like it better than drilling a hole in my dash.

 

Yes, thanks. I've been thinking of using a throttle sw. to be on the safer side. Craig

 

On my 06 with a stick I have only a slight delay, certainly NOT a 2 second delay.
My warm up is the same as the guy above with the 06.

One of the best things I put on the truck for sure.